英文
XXXVIII
How can my Muse want subject to invent
While thou dost breathe that pour'st into my verse
Thine own sweet argument, too excellent
For every vulgar paper to rehearse?
O, give thyself the thanks if aught in me
Worthy perusal stand against thy sight,
For who's so dumb that cannot write to thee
When thou thyself dost give invention light?
Be thou the tenth Muse, ten times more in worth
Than those old nine which rhymers invocate;
And he that calls on thee, let him bring forth
Eternal numbers to outlive long date.
If my slight Muse do please these curious days,
The pain be mine, but thine shall be the praise.
中文
38
怎能说我的缪斯缺乏题材？
你活着，你就将甜美的意趣
注入我的诗行中，别出心裁，
任何凡庸之徒都无法描述。
如果我写下的值得你一看，
应该感谢的人还是你自己：
正是你赋予我创作的灵感；
不知赞美的人，与哑巴无异。
你是第十位缪斯，那前九位
虽能激发诗情，但你强十倍；
拜访你的诗人受你的恩惠，
写出的诗能传之千秋万辈。
如果我的微才能取悦时世，
那我付出辛劳，你获得赞词。
